City of University Park   
 November 2022
Welcome to UPdate. This mid-month publication provides residents with timely information about upcoming City projects, programs and events. You can sign up for things too.    
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Common Animal Control questions and answers
Do dogs and cats need to be registered?

University Park residents are required by City Ordinance to register all pets and display a numbered animal tag. This applies to each dog or cat more than four months old. At the time of application for a license, the owner must present a Certificate of Vaccination and pay a licensing fee for each dog and cat. 
Does University Park have a leash law?

Yes. Dog owners can be issued a citation and fined if they let their dog run at large. This includes dogs that are unleashed while in City parks.

Is there a Pooper Scooper law?

No, but pet owners are strongly encouraged to clean up after their pets. To assist with this, the City maintains more than 30 pet waste stations throughout the community, including stations in all major parks. Each station is supplied with disposable bags and a litter can. Please do not place dog waste in private trash cans. If a homeowner witnesses that action taking place and wishes to file a complaint, a citation and fine can result.  

Are dogs permitted on school grounds?

Dogs are not allowed on school grounds or other property of the Highland Park Independent School District, or any private preschool, kindergarten, primary or secondary school, without permission of an authorized school official. This includes being on any sidewalk, parkway or public property abutting the campus while school is in session. Again, a violation can result in a citation and fine.

Will a dog be impounded if it is seen running free in a neighborhood?

Yes, whether the dog is seen by an animal control officer or is found and held by someone, once the City is notified, an officer must take possession of the dog. To report a dog running loose, please call 214-363-3000.
UPCOMING SEASONAL EVENTS
Snider Plaza Tree Lighting - Sunday, November 20
The annual University Park Tree Lighting in Snider Plaza is set for Sunday, November 20 from 1 to 6 p.m. Presented by the Rotary Club of Park Cities, the event will feature live performances on the main stage and lots of fun for kids, including a bounce house or two, a keepsake craft from UP Public Library, a llama and a pet adoption booth. Of course, there will also be photo opportunities with Santa Claus. 

 
Tasty snacks and drinks
 
Local vendors will be offering a variety of tasty treats and snacks. Sponsored by Andrews Distributing, the event will also feature a beer garden. Inside that fenced area, for a suggested donation to assist the North Texas Food Bank, beer and wine will be offered with proof of age. 
 
Additional event parking
 
Additional parking will be available at the Hilltop Plaza parking garage at the south end of Snider Plaza, free of charge.
 
Event sponsors
 
Methodist Dallas, Crain Brogdon LLP, Andrews Distributing, CB Homes, Plains Capital Bank, Advanced ER and People Newspapers.
 
Event Setup/Traffic Advisories
 
Event setup starts on Saturday, November 19 and continues until noon Sunday, November 20. 
 
  • 6 a.m. Saturday – West side of Milton St. closed for stage setup.
  • 10 p.m. – Parks staff will begin setup of barricades on Rankin St. and Rosedale Ave. One lane will remain open on each street with attendant posted to assist with entry and exit.
  • 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday – Vendor drop off and setup. All vehicles will vacate event area by 11 a.m.
  • 11 a.m. Sunday – Rankin St. and Rosedale Ave. barricades will be in place. All entry to event area will be closed.
  • Noon Sunday – Vendor tent/table setup complete.
Elena's Children's Park Tree Lighting - Tuesday, December 6
For many years, residents from across the Park Cities have gathered at Elena’s Children’s Park to remember children who are no longer with us. The gathering features short remarks, holiday carols and the lighting of a holiday tree. Elena’s Children’s Park is located at the intersection of Boedeker and Hanover.

This year's Elena's Children's Park Tree Lighting will take place on Tuesday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Holiday programs at UP Public Library
The University Park Public Library in the Plaza at Preston Center will be offering Christmas programs Saturdays in December with holiday entertainment for all ages. All programs begin at 10:15 a.m. For more information call the library at 214-363-9095.

December 3 – Christmas Craft Party
December 10 – Story Time with Mrs. Claus
December 17 – Christmas Puppet Show

Sponsors: Christine McKenny and Allie Beth Allman and Associates
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Santa Around Town begins December 12
While his elves are back at the North Pole making sure his sleigh is ready for the big night, Santa Claus will tour the streets of University Park on a UPFD fire engine.

Starting Monday, December 12 and continuing each night through Friday, December 16, Santa will ride through a different section of University Park spreading holiday cheer. The fun begins each night at 6 p.m. and ends around 8 p.m.*

Santa Fire Engine Tracker

If you want to wave at Santa as he rides by, consult this color-coded City map below. Better yet, during his five-day visit, go to the City’s website homepage and click on the Santa Around Town details. There you will find a link to track Santa’s nightly progress through the neighborhoods. Santa Around Town information will be posted on the City's website after the Thanksgiving holiday.

*Dates/times subject to emergency calls 
SANITATION
Proper disposal of yard waste
If you have brush, leaves or grass clippings that need to be disposed of, please place it in a proper biodegradable paper yard waste bag (shown above). After our Sanitation crew picks it up, it is transported to a compost facility that cannot process various materials including plastic bags. Approved yard waste bags can be purchased at home improvement stores, including Lowe's, Home Depot, or Target, and you can also purchase them on Amazon.
 
Please note - Residents can place up to eight yard waste bags in the alley. Anything more than that must be placed on the parkway for pickup. 
Holiday Sanitation schedule
FRIENDS OF UP PUBLIC LIBRARY
Second Chapter Bookstore
Three days a week through January 14, Second Chapter Bookstore is the place to go to purchase gently used, donated books. The store is operated by the Friends of the University Park Public Library, with proceeds going to the library.

Located at 6916 Snider Plaza, next to East Hampton Sandwich Co. and Short Stop, the store is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

If you are interested in donating new or gently used books to Second Chapter Bookstore, the Friends are taking drop-off donations at University Park Peek Service Center located at 4420 Worcola St. Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more details on all of this, visit the Friends website.
Upcoming City Meetings & Events